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The OLYMPICS Act Explained: Why Some U.S. Athletes Could Face a 100% Tax

What happens when an American athlete takes the podium to accept a medal—but the anthem playing isn't the Star-Spangled Banner?

That question is no longer just theoretical. In March 2026, a new federal proposal introduced in Congress aims to hit U.S. citizens and permanent residents who compete on behalf of specific foreign nations with a massive 100% excise tax on their earnings.

In simple terms, some athletes could be forced to forfeit every single dollar they earn on the global stage.

Inside the Proposed OLYMPICS Act

The legislation—the Officially Limiting Yearly Money Procured by Individuals Concerning Sportmanship (OLYMPICS) Act—proposes a 100% tax on:

  • Competing in international sporting events

  • Tournament prize money

  • Sponsorship and endorsement income tied directly to foreign representation

Currently targeting individuals representing nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, the bill's language could easily expand to cover any major global event.

Why the Sudden Legislative Scrutiny?

This bill didn't materialize out of thin air. It is directly tied to recent global controversies, looking ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics. U.S.-born snowboarder Eileen Gu, who famously competes for China, is a prime example of an athlete who could be heavily impacted.

Gu's situation highlights the incredible financial stakes involved in modern international sports:

  • She reportedly earned millions in payments tied to Olympic performance from Chinese authorities.

  • Over a multi-year period, those government-linked payments reached nearly $14 million.

  • She also pulls in over $20 million annually from lucrative endorsements and sponsorships.

Athletes running on a track representing global sports competition

A Common Play in Global Sports

While Gu is the most visible recent example, switching national representation is a long-standing tradition. Athletes change flags for dual citizenship, better funding, or deeper cultural ties.

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Familiar names do this regularly. Golfer Rory McIlroy represents Ireland in international play despite starring primarily on the U.S. PGA Tour. NBA standouts like Joel Embiid have weighed representing different nations, while Luka Dončić actively competes for Slovenia. In track and field, Bernard Lagat famously ran for both Kenya and the U.S. during his career. Identity and career opportunity often trump simple geography.

The Existing U.S. Tax Net

At Sandra Stearns CPA, we consistently remind clients that the U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income. Whether you compete in Beijing or run a virtual business in Orlando, you owe U.S. taxes.

Because these dual-national athletes also owe tax in the country where they compete, they face immense double taxation risks. As one analysis highlights, individuals with international ties face incredibly complicated cross-border tax obligations even without this aggressive new bill.

Person typing on a laptop analyzing tax policies

Using Tax Policy to Shape Behavior

This proposal illustrates a growing trend: using the tax code to influence behavior rather than simply raise revenue. We see this with sin taxes on tobacco or credits for electric vehicles.

If passed, practical enforcement would be an administrative nightmare. Tracking foreign sponsorship deals and deciphering payments routed through international shell entities would deeply stretch the capabilities of the IRS.

What This Means for You

Most taxpayers in the greater Orlando area won't be hit by the OLYMPICS Act. Still, the core lesson remains crucial: international income significantly complicates your financial picture. In Sandra's 38-plus years of experience, we've seen firsthand how easily cross-border work or expanding business operations can trigger unexpected liabilities.

If you need help navigating tricky tax issues, ensuring IRS compliance, or optimizing QuickBooks for accurate reporting, Sandra Stearns CPA is here to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.

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Let's set you up for financial success!
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